C.J. Stroud Continues Offseason Impact at Athletes First Celebrity Waiter Night

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While the offseason is often tied to training and preparation, C.J. Stroud continues to make his presence felt off the field as well.

Stroud was in attendance this past weekend at the Athletes First Celebrity Waiter Night, a marquee charitable event tied to the Hoag Classic in Southern California. The event, presented by Pacific Life, benefits the Hoag Hospital Foundation and serves as one of the signature nights of a weekend centered on philanthropy and community impact.

Athletes First celebrated 25 years of excellence in full service sports management, and Founder & CEO Brian Murphy was in attendance too - this milestone was celebrated that night.

A Night Built Around Giving Back

Celebrity Waiter Night is exactly what it sounds like—with a twist.

Elite athletes and celebrities trade jerseys for aprons, serving guests throughout the evening while raising funds for Hoag Hospital Foundation. Attendees can “tip” their favorite athletes using event currency, with all proceeds going toward advancing healthcare initiatives, patient care, and medical innovation across Southern California.

The foundation itself supports one of the region’s leading healthcare systems, Hoag, helping fund critical programs, technology, and expanded access to care.

Aston Martin Newport Beach sponsored the event and opened their showroom on Friday night for the private player welcome party.

The night also features:

• Red carpet arrivals and networking

• Cocktail hour with athlete interaction

• Live auction experiences

• A full dinner program and celebration

  
  

It’s a unique blend of entertainment and purpose—bringing together sports, community, and philanthropy in one setting.

Star-Studded Room Across the NFL

As expected, the guest list was loaded.

Stroud was joined by a wide range of NFL stars and figures across the league, including:

• Derrick Henry

• Odell Beckham Jr.

• Derwin James

• Fred Warner

• Steve Smith Sr.

• Daniel Jones

• Kyle Van Noy

• Sterling Shepard

• Nick Foles

• Cooper DeJean

• Jerry Rice

• Reggie Bush

• Jarrett Stidham

• Quinshon Judkins

• Cole Kmet

  
  

The event was emceed by NFL RedZone Host Scott Hanson, with prominent agent David Mulugheta also in attendance.

Even future talent was represented, including USC draft prospect Ja'Kobi Lane.

A Weekend of Events, One Shared Mission

The Celebrity Waiter Night is just one part of a larger weekend surrounding the Hoag Classic, which also includes a celebrity golf event featuring many of the same athletes and celebrities.

Some participants take part in both portions, while others—like Stroud this year—attend specific segments. Stroud’s appearance was focused on the dinner and gala portion, something he has now participated in for multiple years.

That consistency stands out.

For a young quarterback entering his third NFL season, showing up repeatedly for events like this reflects a growing leadership presence—not just within the Texans organization, but across the league.

Bigger Than Football for Stroud and Texans Culture

This marks another offseason moment where Stroud has been visible in meaningful spaces beyond football.

Between appearances like this and other charitable events, it’s clear he’s embracing the role that comes with being a franchise quarterback—one that extends into community impact and league-wide relationships.

For Texans fans, it’s another sign of what the organization has in their leader: not just a high-level player, but someone invested in using his platform the right way.